By Graeme Fletcher, Postmedia News

Originally published: September 12, 2013

SMALL

MEDIUM

LARGE

KITZBUHEL, AUSTRIA — When the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class debuted earlier this year, it did so as one of the most technologically advanced sedans available, regardless of manufacturer — the list of electronic trickery runs from the all-LED headlights to the outrageous optional 24-speaker Burmese sound system with a total system output of 1,540 watts and touches every facet between the extremes. Now comes the ultra-fast S 63 AMG.

The 63’s cockpit is more like that of an A380 Airbus than a sedan. The bold style, premium materials and content combine to touch all of the senses. For example, the information is displayed on two enormous 12.3-inch colour displays. Then there’s the front seating. The Drive-Dynamic seats feature all of the usual power adjustments along with a number of other functions that range from a hot massage to the ability to adjust the lumbar and back rest bolsters to the point where anyone can find the perfect position — just read the owners’ manual and be prepared to spend the time needed to set it to perfection.

Dynamically, the S 63 AMG is delightful. I was expecting a sharper sort of Titanic in terms of the handling and speed, but was I ever wrong. The awesome dynamics boil down to the drivetrain and a suspension that thinks. In the end, the setup can be all things to all drivers.

Pop the hood and there sits AMG’s 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, which makes a dizzying 577 horsepower. That is impressive, but what really cranks things to a higher plane is the torque — 664 pound-feet at just 2,250 rpm. This is enough to whisk the portly 2,070-kilogram long-wheelbase sedan from rest to 100 kilometres an hour in 4.0 seconds flat.

The riotous power is fired to the road through AMG’s Speedshift MCT (Multi-Clutch Technology) seven-speed manumatic transmission. It features three very different drive modes — Controlled efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M). The C mode is aimed at maximizing efficiency and uses an idle-stop feature to shut the engine down whenever the S 63 comes to a standstill. The idle-stop, softer throttle and earlier upshifts combine to produce an average fuel consumption of 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres based on the European test cycle. Head for the hills, and the other two modes come into their own. Sport holds the gears longer, sharpens the throttle response and alters the exhaust note. Manual does the same, but leaves the driver in charge of the shifting.

When in C mode, a flap in each of the rear mufflers remains closed, which mutes the exhaust note. In the other two modes, they open to elicit a delicious snapping snarl that sings under hard acceleration. There’s also a delightful blat that accompanies every rev-matched shift. It actively forced me to use the paddle shifters so I could revel in the mellifluous siren as I zigged and zagged through the Austrian countryside.

All S 63 AMGs sold in Canada will arrive with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive. It does a much better job of laying the power down. In fact, in spite of the 70 kg the system adds to the car, the 4Matic version is 0.8 seconds faster to 100 km/h than the short wheelbase rear-drive model.

The good news is that the 33/67 front-to-rear power split retains the rear-drive feel for which all AMGs are famed. The system is also smart enough that it varies the torque split from the norm to a 50/50 split depending upon need and it does so instantaneously. This ability boils down to a function that adjusts the split long before things are allowed to go pear-shaped. From a practical perspective, it eliminates wheelspin and delivers much better traction across the entire operating range.

The S 63’s suspension features air springs and fully adaptive damping. As with the drivetrain, it also features two distinctly different settings. The Comfort mode delivers a luxury car ride; Sport firms the suspenders noticeably and sharpens the variable ratio steering. Roaring up the mountain roads heading to Kitzbühel proved the Sport setting to be ideal. While I did appreciate the softer Comfort mode in a city environment, Sport’s firmer damping reduces body roll and improves the turn-in response.

The final dynamic link is found in the brake system. The two-piece composite rotors deliver a ton of fade-free stopping power. For those that intend to push this full-bodied missile to the edge should invest in the optional ceramic brake package — according to AMG, these things push the fade out to the point it is basically non-existent and they bring crisper stops at the limit.

The S 63 AMG is an interesting car for many reasons, not the least of which is the amount of technology shoehorned into every single facet of the car. However, what really separates it from other luxury sedans is the alacrity the engine instills into such a heavy car. The extensive use of aluminum and 100-kg reduction in weight certainly helps matters. The same applies to the handling, as the S 63 AMG feels so much lighter on its P255/40R20 front and P285/35R20 rear tires than the look suggests — this is a physically imposing full-sized car by any measure.

Best of all, however, is how the 4Matic all-wheel drive functions to keep the outrageous power tamed to the point where it felt almost docile on the very wet test route. That was until the gas pedal was given a proper workout!